Reflecting on a busy month for UK Defence

The month of March has been exceptionally busy for the UK defence sector which ADS represents. In my role as ADS Director – Defence, I wanted to reflect on some of the milestone events and activities.??

In a highlight event of the month, I enjoyed attending the Home Office’s Security and Policing event alongside the ADS Security team in Farnborough where I had the opportunity to meet members whose portfolios have many cross-sector applications, Government officials, and immerse myself in some of the latest advancements in technology. On a personal note, I enjoyed meeting the fantastic array of working dogs, something I am passionate about (particularly the breed of working Labradors) – although I can only aspire to instill the same level of obedience!??

Peppered through the month were many important Government announcements with AUKUS, the Integrated Review Refresh, and an uplift to defence spending announced as part of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.??

For AUKUS, our Prime Minister announced that the first generation of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines will be built in the UK, based on the UK’s world-leading submarine design. This is excellent news for UK jobs, exports, and prosperity. Industry is ready to help operationalise AUKUS, and we welcome further dialogue on this with His Majesty’s Government moving forward.??

Focusing on the Integrated Review Refresh, it is clear the value of our strong domestic and security industrial base is recognised, and the refresh builds upon the strategic partnership between industry and Government in securing UK advantage.??

The Chancellor delivered his Spring Statement which included a total ￡11bn uplift to defence spending over the next five years, including the ￡5bn over the next two years announced as part of the Integrated Review Refresh. The Chancellor also set a government aspiration over the longer term for defence spending to be 2.5 per cent of GDP, when fiscal and economic circumstances allow. Naturally, I and the wider ADS team look forward to understanding the impact of additional defence spending plans in the longer term, including a proposed timetable that will be essential in supporting industry to develop and deliver advance next-generation capabilities.??

Towards the end of March, the team and I enjoyed assisting the Army and DE&S with the inaugural meeting of the Land Enterprise Working Group. While the event took place under Chatham House rules it is clear that industry is at the ready to help make the Land Industrial Strategy into a reality. We will reflect on discussions and work to form relevant sub-groups to tackle the joint ambition of ensuring we have a vibrant, collaborative environment in the UK land domain.?

Finally, as March ends, I spent some time reflecting on what it means to be a woman working in defence. On International Women’s Day, I was privileged and humbled to be recognised in the Inaugural Women in Trade Associations 2023 Powerlist. This year’s IWD theme was embracing equity and is something every one of us should support and embrace. Collective activism is what drives change, and by achieving a critical mass of women in defence we can accelerate gender balance, as recognised, and championed by Women in Defence UK and signatories of the Women in Defence Charter of which I am an active member and proud supporter of.??

If any ADS Group Ltd members have any questions around some of the defence activity and announcements which took place in March, please get in touch.??